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Tuesday, Feb 25, 2025
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British Couple Arrested by Taliban in Afghanistan
Peter Reynolds and his wife Barbie detained amid concerns for their health and humanitarian work.
A British couple in their seventies, Peter Reynolds, 79, and his wife Barbie, 75, have been arrested by the Taliban in Afghanistan.
Their detention occurred on February 1, 2023, as they were returning to their home in Bamiyan after engaging in various humanitarian projects.
For nearly 18 years, the Reynolds have been active in training initiatives aimed at mothers and children in Afghanistan, including programs in Kabul and Bamiyan.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, has stated that the family has not heard from the couple in over two weeks, raising concerns about their wellbeing.
The specific reasons for their arrest remain unclear; however, the projects they operated included educational training for women and children, which had reportedly been approved by local authorities despite the Taliban's overarching ban on women's employment and education for girls over the age of 12.
Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who met at the University of Bath and married in Kabul in 1970, have continued their work even after the Taliban regained power in August 2021, while many Westerners left the country.
Initially, they were able to communicate with their four children via text messages after their detention but ceased communication after three days.
Entwistle expressed her concern, noting that her father requires heart medication following a mini-stroke.
The couple was arrested alongside their American friend, Faye Hall, and a translator associated with their business.
According to an employee, Mr. Reynolds has faced difficulties in accessing necessary medical care, and his health condition has reportedly deteriorated.
In a public plea, Entwistle and her siblings have urged the Taliban to release their parents, stating, "We do not understand the reasons behind their arrest." They highlighted their parents' longstanding commitment to Afghanistan, asserting that they had consistently prioritized assisting the local population over discussing any potential ransom negotiations.
The UK Foreign Office has acknowledged awareness of the detention of two British nationals in Afghanistan, noting limitations in providing assistance due to the UK's non-recognition of the Taliban and the absence of an embassy in Kabul.
According to Taliban officials, the couple was arrested for allegedly operating an NGO without proper notification to local authorities, specifically Bamiyan police and border security forces.
The Taliban has previously enacted restrictions on women working for NGOs, leading to the closure of several organizations employing female staff.
The situation surrounding the Reynolds remains uncertain, with calls for their release continuing from family and supporters.
Their detention occurred on February 1, 2023, as they were returning to their home in Bamiyan after engaging in various humanitarian projects.
For nearly 18 years, the Reynolds have been active in training initiatives aimed at mothers and children in Afghanistan, including programs in Kabul and Bamiyan.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, has stated that the family has not heard from the couple in over two weeks, raising concerns about their wellbeing.
The specific reasons for their arrest remain unclear; however, the projects they operated included educational training for women and children, which had reportedly been approved by local authorities despite the Taliban's overarching ban on women's employment and education for girls over the age of 12.
Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who met at the University of Bath and married in Kabul in 1970, have continued their work even after the Taliban regained power in August 2021, while many Westerners left the country.
Initially, they were able to communicate with their four children via text messages after their detention but ceased communication after three days.
Entwistle expressed her concern, noting that her father requires heart medication following a mini-stroke.
The couple was arrested alongside their American friend, Faye Hall, and a translator associated with their business.
According to an employee, Mr. Reynolds has faced difficulties in accessing necessary medical care, and his health condition has reportedly deteriorated.
In a public plea, Entwistle and her siblings have urged the Taliban to release their parents, stating, "We do not understand the reasons behind their arrest." They highlighted their parents' longstanding commitment to Afghanistan, asserting that they had consistently prioritized assisting the local population over discussing any potential ransom negotiations.
The UK Foreign Office has acknowledged awareness of the detention of two British nationals in Afghanistan, noting limitations in providing assistance due to the UK's non-recognition of the Taliban and the absence of an embassy in Kabul.
According to Taliban officials, the couple was arrested for allegedly operating an NGO without proper notification to local authorities, specifically Bamiyan police and border security forces.
The Taliban has previously enacted restrictions on women working for NGOs, leading to the closure of several organizations employing female staff.
The situation surrounding the Reynolds remains uncertain, with calls for their release continuing from family and supporters.
